The conversation in the Detroit music studio jumped from hoops to music and back to hoops.
It was September and Syracuse University assistant coach Rob Murphy had traveled back to his hometown on a recruiting trip. He ended his day at DeNotes; a Motown recruiting studio, as the guest of a friend with music industry connections.
When the subject centered on basketball, Murphy became the voice of authority.
But when the discussion switched to music with a debate about who was the best rapper, Murphy got shouted down.
“They said ‘Coach, when we were talking about basketball, we listened to you’,’’ Murphy said, recalling the scene. “They said this was music.’’
Then someone – Murphy doesn’t remember who exactly – threw down the gauntlet.
Would the coach like to try his hand at rapping? Murphy declined.
“Scared?’’ came the response. Murphy accepted.
He listened to a few beats and settled on one with the repetitive phrase ‘Shut It Down.’
“I went in the sound booth and just freestyled it,’’ Murphy said. “I didn’t even know I could do that.’’
Murphy rapped through one verse and opened the sound-room door. The group outside told him to go back and keep going. One person in the studio happened to be a music coach and told Murphy to “put more oomph into it.’’
The result was a basketball-themed rap song that sums up the defensive attitude of this year’s Syracuse University squad.
Except Murphy never planned on anyone hearing it until some of the Syracuse players came to his house and started talking rap. Murphy played his song for the group.
“They loved it, actually,’’ Murphy said, sounding surprised. “They asked if they could take it to the locker room and use it for introductions.’’
“Shut It Down’’ features a thumping beat and lyrics that extol the successes of the Syracuse basketball program and the strengths of the Syracuse players; all while emphasizing defense.
The song figures to be a staple at all of Syracuse’s home games this season.
Already the song is available for download at www.jimboeheim.com with the proceeds going to Boeheim’s charitable foundation. There is also a “Shut It Down’’ t-shirt at Manny’s and the University Sports Shop.
“It was a crazy experience,’’ Murphy said. “I couldn’t believe what was going on. I never planned on doing anything with it. It was the players who wanted to use it. They’re responsible.’’